Consequences & Prevention of Hearing Loss

DID YOU KNOW? Recent studies from John’s Hopkins University* suggests:

Hearing Loss can cause people to retreat into isolation-away from the people and things they love which may lead to depression

Those with untreated hearing loss 30-40% more likely to have reduced memory function*

Untreated hearing loss has been linked to increased risk of falls*

If you are over the age of 50, you should have your hearing checked!

More research needs to be done but initial findings indicate that wearing a hearing instrument may help stop social isolation and may decrease the risk of mental decline.
*For more information visit www.hopkinsmedicine.org

Prevention of Hearing Loss

Noise is one of the most common causes of hearing loss, and one of the most common occupational illnesses in the United States. The risk of your hearing being damaged by loud noises depends on how loud the noises are and how long you’re exposed to them. Experts agree that continued exposure to noise at or above 85dB (similar to a lawn mower or loud traffic) can, over time, cause hearing loss. However, by following the advice below it’s possible to reduce your risk of noise-induced hearing loss (hearing loss from loud noise):

Don’t have your television, radio or music too loud. This is particularly important if you have young children in the house, because their ears are more delicate than an adult’s. If you have to raise your voice to shout over the noise to be heard by someone within an arm’s length away, that noise could be a serious risk to your hearing. You shouldn’t have dull hearing or ringing in your ears after listening to music.

Use headphones that block out more outside noise, rather than turning up the volume. You can buy noise cancelling headphones.

Use ear protection equipment such as ear muffs or ear plugs if you work in a noisy environment, such as a pub, nightclub, a garage workshop or on a building site. It’s important to insert ear plugs correctly to gain the benefit of wearing them.

Use ear-protection equipment at loud concerts and at other events where there are high noise levels, such as motor races.